A 'paranoid' man armed with an imitation submachine gun was suffering from 'psychosis' when he was shot by Worcester police outside his ex's city home after a wrecking spree.
Aaron Humphries appeared over videolink from HMP Hewell at Worcester Crown Court today (Monday) following the dramatic incident in Ronkswood Hill in Worcester last month when he was shot in the leg by an armed officer.
The 31-year-old of Wetherfield Road, Birmingham was able to walk unassisted as he entered the prison videolink booth, confirming guilty pleas to the offences.
He admitted possession of an imitation firearm at a time he was committing another offence (criminal damage at his ex-partner's home) on Saturday, October 2 this year, the imitation weapon named in court as an MP5K, a form of submachine gun.
He further admitted criminal damage - destroying property without lawful excuse - on the same date, including windows, a door and a Ring Doorbell belonging to Platform Housing.
Humphries accepted that he already stood convicted of the production of cannabis, a class B drug, at a commercial unit in Worcester following a hearing at Kidderminster Magistrates Court on October 16.
Over 30 plants were seized by police in the course of their investigations.
Humphries was surrounded by armed police in Ronkswood Hill at around 9am on October 2 and shot in the leg after police received reports that someone had a rifle. Video footage of Humphries falling to the ground after being shot has already been widely circulated on social media.
We have also already reported how a cordon was put in place at the scene as forensic teams in white coats gathered evidence well into the following day.
The matter has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) who will carry out an independent investigation into the incident and the discharge of a police firearm.
Amanda O'Mara, prosecuting, asked for an adjournment in the case for more tests to be carried out on the imitation firearm. A report has already been commissioned but is not available yet.
Miss O'Mara said: "It appears to be gas-powered. It was due to be tested. What the Crown would look to do is test this gun to see whether it does have the use of a gas chamber."
The Crown argued that test needed to be performed as it would make a difference to sentence in the case. "I don't know why it hasn't been done" she said.
It is possible that a further count may be drawn up against Humphries. Tests would be designed to establish whether it's a prohibited weapon which would make Humphries subject to a minimum sentence provision of five years in prison.
The prosecutor said the offence was committed at his ex-partner's address. "He has accepted he had that air weapon with him" she said.
Guy Wyatt, defending, said: "It's a bit of a disappointment that it has not been resolved already."
However, he said he would be asking for an adjournment himself in any event.
He said: "The defendant at the time was having some significant mental health problems which were not controlled by medication and which are controlled by medication now. We have previous diagnosis of personality disorder, psychosis and paranoia."
He said he wanted access to medical reports and would possibly be seeking a psychiatric report which takes around eight weeks to prepare.
Judge Nicolas Cartwright adjourned the case until Friday, January 7 next year.
The judge said the Crown must upload any fresh count by close of business on December 15 this year. This can be done once the gun has been tested by a firearms expert.
In the meantime Humphries was remanded in custody.
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